Laois doctor suspended from practice for overprescribing

Alleged over prescription of valium-type drugs has led to the suspension from the practice of a Laois-based doctor.

The High Court has granted an application to the Medical Council to temporarily suspended Dr Patricia Sverani Black who gave an address in Castletown.

The Medical Council, which regulates doctors in Ireland, went to court due to patient safety concerns arising from allegations that she had prescribed large amounts of diazepam and dalmane.

It is also claimed that she breached undertakings concerning her prescription practices.

Diazepam, also known as valium and dalmane are in the benzodiazepine family of medicines. The sedatives are used to treat a variety of conditions such as alcohol dependence, seizures, anxiety disorders, panic, agitation, and insomnia. They can become addictive.

President of the High Court Mr Justice Peter Kelly granted the order on Monday, December 10 for reasons of public interest.

Justice Kelly also granted similar order against Dr Clare Hartigan from Ballinwear, Nenagh in Co Tipperary, who worked at the University Hospital of Kerry from March 2016 and October 2017.

Due to her own health issues, the council claims she had impaired judgement and there was a risk to patients if she continued to work without appropriate assessment.

A further order was granted against Karin El Awad Mohamed, with an address at Blackrock in Co Dublin.

He was alleged to have registered to practise medicine in Ireland under a different name and date of birth from details provided to UK medical authorities.